Post synonyms/euphemisms for "unmarried partner" here.

[eyesroll]

I've started calling my SO my "shacker-upper," and my "spousal equivalent," depending on the context. I like the term "shacker-upper" for casual conversations. In school, I use "spousal equivalent" because that is how the really cool Jesuit priest/professor referred to unmarried partners. (Plus, it makes certain explanations easier: I have a "stepdaughter equivalent." I'm not sure how to refer to her in the context of a shacker-upper.)

How about you?

[LeftyMom]

1. back when I was shacking up, I rather liked "partner"

I wish it was in more common usage with hetero couples. As far as I'm concerned, there's no reason to introduce the legal nature of your relationship to anybody who doesn't know you well enough to have a good idea of it already.

[HarukaTheTrophyWife]

2. The longest one I ever heard was...

"Lifelong live-in companion." It was not used by the actual livelong live-in companions, but rather by the sister of one of them.

[Iniquitous Bunny]

dupe

delete

[Iniquitous Bunny]

3. We're engaged now, so it's easier.

I'd say "partner", "boyfriend, "significant other" before. I know, it all sounds either juvenile or lame.

(Oh, his son was was insert name choice here's son.)

[eyesroll]

6. I've not been a fan of "boyfriend" of late. I don't mind SO in print, but

it's awkward out loud.

I did use "the guy who eats my food but cleaned up the giant dry couscous explosion so we're even" yesterday.

[Schema Thing]

4. Old Man/Bitch

[jpgray]

5. Lady/gentleman + friend

Lamest ever, but at least there's the security of it being the lamest ever.

[eyesroll]

10. I'd use "gentleman friend" if I was trying to get something from others in

a bar. It's disarming.

"My gentleman friend over there thinks that I won't be able to talk you into buying me a drink."

I bet it would work (depending on the bar, anyway).

[tyedyeto]

14. So........ Victorian.

:rofl:

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

7. POSSLQ.

Pronounced "possel-cue." Persons of Opposite Sex Sharing Living Quarters.

[eyesroll]

8. When I was a teenager, I read a book that used the acronym

MPRWAMOTOS. Meaningful Peer Relationship With A Member Of The Opposite Sex. Why I remember this, I don't know. Lord knows I don't remember the book.

[SnohoDem]

15. Will you?

Won't you?
Will you be my POSSLQ?


Buchwald? Bombeck? Who?

I remember the original, but am old enough to forget who originated it.

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

16. Charles Osgood.

There's nothing that I wouldn't do
If you would be my POSSLQ
You live with me and I with you,
And you will be my POSSLQ.
I'll be your friend and so much more;
That's what a POSSLQ is for.

[greatauntoftriplets]

9. I have a friend who has always referred to her boyfriends...

(NOT live in!!) to this day as "my beau".

:rofl:

[rug]

11. Parking space.

[Richard Steele]

12. I use "sweetie" or "hetero lifemate"...

Usually just "sweetie".

[tyedyeto]

13. I like 'shacker-upper'

usually I call him 'my fella' or my 'non-legal live-in significant other'.

I think I like 'my fella' better.

[begin_within]

17. "They share a house."

Used recently by an elderly lady to describe a lesiban couple in our neighborhood (not sure if she knew though).